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The performance of high-speed helical gear trains is of particular importance for tiltrotor aircraft drive systems. These drive systems are used to provide speed reduction/torque multiplication from the gas turbine output shaft and provide the necessary offset between these parallel shafts in the aircraft. Four different design configurations have been tested in the NASA Glenn Research Center, High Speed Helical Gear Train Test Facility. The design configurations included the current aircraft design, current design with isotropic superfinished gear surfaces, double helical design (inward and outward pumping), increased pitch (finer teeth), and an increased helix angle. All designs were tested at multiple input shaft speeds (up to 15,000 rpm) and applied power (up to 5,000 hp). Also two lubrication, system-related, variables were tested: oil inlet temperature (160 to 250 F) and lubricating jet pressure (60 to 80 psig). Experimental data recorded from these tests included power loss of the helical system under study, the temperature increase of the lubricant from inlet to outlet of the drive system and fling off temperatures (radially and axially). Also, all gear systems were tested with and without shrouds around the gears. The empirical data resulting from this study will be useful to the design of future helical gear train systems anticipated for next generation rotorcraft drive systems.

Publication Date:

May 21, 2013

Document ID:

20130013527

(Acquired May 24, 2013)

Subject Category:

AIRCRAFT PROPULSION AND POWER

Report/Patent Number:

E-18652

Document Type:

Conference Paper

Meeting Information:

American Helicopter Society 69th Annual Forum; 21-23 May 2013; Phoenix, AZ; United States

Meeting Sponsor:

American Helicopter Society, Inc.; Alexandria, VA, United States

Contract/Grant/Task Num:

WBS 380046.02,03.02.02.01

Financial Sponsor:

NASA Glenn Research Center; Cleveland, OH, United States

Organization Source:

NASA Glenn Research Center; Cleveland, OH, United States

Description:

10p; In English; Original contains color and black and white illustrations